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Sexual abuse is a terrible crime with long-lasting consequences for survivors. If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse at a military school, filing a lawsuit against the institution can bring you justice, closure and the ability to build a brighter future for your family with financial compensation. At DRZ Law, we have years of experience going up against schools on behalf of sexual assault survivors. Speak to one of our attorneys during a free consultation today.
The definition of sexual abuse is sexual contact or behavior by one person upon another without the victim’s consent. The age of consent is 16 in Kansas. Children under the age of 16 cannot legally give their consent to sexual activities. This means that any sexual relations with a child under the age of 16 at a military school in Kansas is sexual abuse. Examples of sexual abuse include:
Sexual abuse at a military school can occur without regard to the age or gender of the victim. Sexual abuse may also involve physical or emotional abuse. Any type of abuse suffered by a student can result in serious injuries and psychological trauma. Anyone who experiences sexual abuse while at a military school in Kansas should report the abuse to authorities at the school immediately. Then, they should contact an attorney for advice about how to seek justice.
Military schools and academies have a long history of sexual abuse, assault and violence. Female students have reported a struggle to fit in with mostly male classmates, as well as an increased risk of being targeted for sex crimes. Male students are also not safe from sexual assault. Students may be sexually harassed or assaulted by fellow students or teachers at a military school, either in isolated incidents or as part of a larger pattern of physical abuse, psychological torment, hazing or bullying.
The latest available statistics for sexual assault in military schools show a shocking 32 percent increase in the number of reported incidents in 2018 compared to 2017. There were 117 incidents reported at military academies in the 2018-2019 school year. In the same time span, unreported sexual misconduct increased by 50 percent, to 747 cases. This comes after a similar increase from 2016 to 2017. The Department of Defense reported that students may not report sexual abuse for many reasons, including fear of negative academic and career consequences.
Rather than taking proactive measures to protect students, military schools in Kansas and throughout the country have been known to ignore sexual abuse complaints and even protect suspected perpetrators. Military schools may be more concerned with their reputation and prestige than the safety of their students. They may also be worried about the cost of paying for a sexual abuse lawsuit. There are many examples of a military school falling short of its legal and ethical duty to protect students from sexual abuse, including:
Many military schools are private institutions that are secretive about what happens within their walls. This can make it more difficult for parents to notice the signs of sexual abuse and take legal action. Families in Kansas may have grounds to file lawsuits against a military school, however, for facilitating, failing to prevent or encouraging environments of abuse. Bringing a claim against a military school can be difficult and require assistance from an experienced attorney.
If your family wishes to bring a lawsuit against a military school, a lawyer well versed in military sexual abuse cases can strengthen your claim and improve the odds of winning your case. Military schools will employ a number of tactics to conceal sexual abuse complaints and the background of the abuser. This is a unique area of law that requires special care and attention. A lawyer who practices general personal injury law will not have the legal experience and special knowledge to handle a case involving institutional abuse.
At DRZ Law, we have the resources to fight back when a military school denies liability or claims legal immunity for its actions. We are dedicated to holding institutions in Kansas responsible for allowing children in their care to be harmed. We empower victims of abuse so that they can get the treatment that they need to heal, secure justice against the responsible parties and seek institutional changes so that future students do not suffer the same fate. Taking on institutions that harbor sexual predators is our legal specialty.
If you trusted a military school with the care and education of your child only to discover that your child suffered sexual abuse or assault while at the school, you can bring a civil lawsuit against the institution with our assistance. While law enforcement can take action against an abuser, only a civil lawsuit can hold the military school accountable for its part in allowing your child to be abused. By filing a claim against a military school, your family can achieve justice and recover the financial compensation that you deserve.
Consult with our lawyers at DRZ Law to learn your rights and legal options. Our military school sexual abuse attorneys can help you with each stage of the recovery process. Request a free consultation at (913) 400-2033 today.
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